A C O M P A R A T I V E S T U D Y OF D I F F E R E N T D O S E S O F O R A L M I D A Z O L A M A S P R E M E D I C A N T IN P A E D I A T R I C P A T I E N T S B E T W E E N T H E A G E G R O U P O F 1 - 6 Y E A R S

Aim : In paediatric anaesthesia premedication provides anxiolysis and ease of separation from parents. In context to this a randomized control trial using two different doses of oral midazolam as a premedicant was undertaken. Methods : 50 children (25 each in group A & group B) between the age group of 1 - 6 years were included. Oral midazolam syrup with two different doses for each group (0.5mg/kg in group A and 0.75 mg/kg in group B) was given. The children were looked for the anxiolytic effect, sedation score, venepuncture score and acceptance of mask score. The data was analysed using SPSS software. Results : In group A the sedation was satisfactory in 92% of the children. 88% were calm and accepted mask for induction. Venepuncture score was satisfactory in ma jority of patients. (Grade 2 in 36% and grade 3 in 56% of patients). In 8% of the patients it was difficult to start IV line (Grade 4). In group B the sedation was satisfactory in 92% of children. 84% of children remained calm and 92% accepted the mask eas ily. Venepuncture score was grade 2 in 44% and grade 3 in 44%. 4% was graded as 1 and could put intra venous line easily. 8% of the patients did not allow starting an intravenous line easily (Grade 4). This proved statistically not significant.Postoperativ ely none of the patients had any untoward side effects. Parents of 84% of children in both groups were happy with the premedication. Conclusion : Oral midazolam 0.5mg/kg provides safe and reliable sedation and anxiolysis compared with 0.75mg/kg.